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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Puberty > Boy boobs are embarassing
Posted on: 06/26/2009
Question
I'm 16, turning 17 in september. I have boobs that poke out. I'm 5'9 and weigh 170 pounds. Will this breast problem for me as a young male go away or stay? Its fustrating and embarrasing when I go out to a beach with my friends.
Answer
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It may occur during puberty, due to higher levels of hormones (both male and female hormones). The breast tissue boys develop during puberty often lasts months but may last up to 2 years and still be normal. Obesity may cause pseudogynecomastia, which is fatty tissue that are sometimes mistaken as breast tissue. If you have gynecomastia that has lasted more than 2 years, it probably will not go away spontaneously. You should then see your doctor to discuss this. Hope this helps.